Tropical Storm Norma (1970) facts for kids

Tropical Storm Norma was a powerful weather system that formed in the Pacific Ocean near Mexico in 1970. It was the fourteenth tropical cyclone (a type of storm with strong winds and heavy rain) to appear during the 1970 Pacific hurricane season. Even though it didn't make landfall as a strong storm, Norma still caused a lot of problems, especially with heavy rainfall.

How Tropical Storm Norma Formed

Tropical Storm Norma began on August 31, 1970. It started off the western coast of Mexico. This storm was part of the usual hurricane season that happens in the Pacific Ocean each year.

Norma's Journey and End

Norma traveled for a few days after it formed. However, it started to weaken and eventually died out on September 5. This happened just before it could reach Baja California, a long peninsula on Mexico's west coast. So, it didn't directly hit land as a strong storm.

Impact and Damage Caused by Norma

Even though Tropical Storm Norma weakened, it still had a big impact. It pulled a lot of moisture (water vapor) into the air. This moisture then caused record amounts of rain, especially in the state of Arizona in the United States.

Heavy Rains and Flooding

The huge amount of rain led to dangerous flash floods in Arizona. Flash floods happen very quickly and can be very powerful, washing away roads and buildings.

Cost of the Storm

The damage caused by Tropical Storm Norma was very expensive. It resulted in over $1 million in damage. This money would have been needed to fix roads, homes, and other things that were ruined by the floods.

Lives Lost

Sadly, twenty-three people lost their lives because of the storm's effects. This shows how dangerous tropical storms and the floods they cause can be.

Images for kids

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  The Labor Day Storm of 1970 on September 5th. This storm was drawing moisture from the weakening Norma, which is visible to the south southwest of the storm.